Rock Creek Park - Permits (U.S. National Park Service)

Research Permits

Please see our web page at http://www.nps.gov/rocr/parkmgmt/researchpermits.htm for further information

Special Use Permits

All group activities of 25 or more people in Rock Creek must be registered under a special use permit. For more information call our Special Park Uses Ranger at (202) 895-6000 or e-mail e-mail us.

Weddings

Special Use Permits are issued for small wedding ceremonies ONLY and for three different locations in the Park - Old Stone House (garden area only), Montrose Park and Meridian Hill.
The fee for a wedding permit is $200.00

Contact Special Park Uses Ranger at 202-895-6000 for more information or e-mail e-mail us

Picnic Permits

Organized group limit: 75 people.

Permits required for the following picnic groves:1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 23 and 24. The D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation process a permit for seven dollars per permit. You may obtain the picnic permit in person from the following address:

D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation
Picnic Permits Division
3149 Sixteenth Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20010

Picnic sites 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 do not require a permit. Those sites are first come, first serve, limit 12 people.

Sports Field

Reservation required sports fields are located at: Rock Creek Tennis Center, 16th & Kennedy Streets 4 sports fields,Fort Reno 2 sports fields. To obtain a reservation permit for sports fields go in person with a valid photo identification to:
DC Department of Parks & Recreation
Sports Field Permits Division
3149 Sixteenth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20010
202-673-7449

Special Park Use Permits

Permits for first amendment rights demonstrations, special events, or filming within any park area in the National Capitol Region (NCR) are required by 36 CFR to be processed through the NCR Park Programs Division. To obtain an application, contact 202.619.7225. For information on Rock Creek Park areas for these permits, contact the Special Park Uses office at 202-895-6000.
Permits for right of way uses, construction, educational programs (not led by a park ranger) or to use or cross park land are obtained from the Environmental Protection Specialist for Rock Creek Park, 202-895-6000.